Telephone answering and recording apparatus



Nov. 4, 1941. J. J. sHlvELY ETAL 2,261,420

TELEPHNE ANSWERING' AND RECORDING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 4, 1940 Il Il @MF1 ATTORNEYS Nov. 4, 1941. J. J. sHlvELY ETAL TELEPHONE ANSWERING AND RECORDING APPARATUS Filed May 4, 1940 Y Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS c/o/m d Sh/'ve/y BY Har/y R Van De ve/ l 'er ATTORNEYS Nov. 4, 1941. J. J. sHlvELY ET AL TELEPHONE ANSWERING AND RECORDING APPARATUS Filed May 4, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 r. m. JM 5 mdk m V NJ T Nnr A Fig.

Nav. 4, 1941.

J. .1. sHlvELY E-r AL 2,261,420

TELEPHONE ANSWERING AND RECORDING APPARATUS I Filed May 4, 1940 7 Sheets-SheeI 5 Inl..."

INVENTORS do/m d. h/'ve/y BY Harry lm Dex/enfer' ATTORNEYS N0V- 4,V 1941 J. J. sHlvELY ET AL 2,261,420

TELEPHONE ANSWERING. AND RECORDING APPARATUS Drops an Phone wifch- INVENTORS (fo/m d. Shin/ely BY Har-ry f?, Van Des/enfer- 'u/IM l lATToRNEY Nov. 4, 1941. J. J, sHlvELY ETAL 2,261,420

TELEPHONE ANSWERINCT AND RECORDING APPARATUS Filed May 4, 1940 '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 www 48 x/as /6/9 l BY Harry R. Van Deve/.Hel

ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 4, 1941 TELEPHONE ANSWERING AND RECORDING APPARATUS Jolm J. Shlvely and Harry B. Van Deventer, New

York, N. Y., assig'nors, by mesne ents to Peatrophone Corporation, Sumter, S. C., a corporation of Nevada Application May 4, 194i), Serial No. 333,268

49 Claims.

This invention pertains to improvements in telephone answering and recording apparatus.

An object of the invention is to provide means operable automatically upon the ringing of a telephone to answer the telephone and to record any message received therethrough.

Another object is to provide a device of the character described requiring no acoustic connection with the telephone bell.

Still another object is to provide a device of the above type including means adapted to automatic cyclic carrying out of the various normal functions.

Still another object is to provide a device which is simple, low in cost, readily manufactured, readily installed and easily placed in proper operation by inexperlenced persons.

Another object is to provide apparatus of the character described employing cheap records of standard type.

A further object is to provide means by which any desired speech may be delivered by the machine in answering the telephone.

Still another object is to provide a device of the character described including means to restore the telephone circuit to normal in case of failure of the current supply, and means operable thereafter upon restoration of current to maintain the telephone disconnected while the cyclic operation of the device restores the latter to normal starting condition.

A further object is to provide a device of the character described adapted to the carrying out of various supplementary functions such as receiving dictation, recording oiilce instructions, and the like.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become evident during the course of the iollowing description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side view of the main operating mechanism in partial logged section;

Figure 2 is a detail view of the releasing latch mechanism in normal operating position:

Figure 3 is a similar view of the same released by current failure;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the device with the top cover removed;

Figure 5 is a front elevation of the main operating device with the telephone removed and the phone switch control arm in non-operative position;

Figure 6 is a vertical side sectional view of the detector mechanism;

Figure 'I is a front elevation of the same;

Figure 12 is a detail view of the time indicator control cam mechanism;

Figure 13 is a similar view of the switching cam mechanism;

Figure 14 is a detail view control cam Figure 15 is a similar view speech control cam and lever;

Figure 16 'illustrates in section the signal of the telephone of the answering switch, the relay circuit breaker and the automatic change-over switch, the latter two being taken on the section Iii-I6, Figures 17 and 18 respectively;

Figure 17 illustrates an automatic change-over switch taken in section ll-II, Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of ile relay circuit breaker in the plane I8, Figure Figure 19 is a detail view of the recorder arm locating means with the recorder arm in recording position;

Figure 20 is a similar view with the recorder arm in raised position; l

Figure 21 is a polar diagram setting forth the successive operations of the automatic cycle, and

Figure 22 is a wiring diagram of the entire device.

Referring to Figure 1, the numeral generally denotes the main answering and recording unit having a casing 3i which may b'e provided with a hinged cover 32. The front of the casing 3| is preferably inclined and has removably fastened thereto a plate 33 in which are secured cup-shaped receptacles 34 and I5, Figures 1, 4 and 5. The cups 34 and 35 are made of any suitable material, preferably rubber or the like having sound insulating properties, and are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the center distances of they transmitter and receiver of a standard telephone hand-set. A speaker 36 and a microphone 31, Figures 5 and l, are mounted in the bottoms of cups 34 and respectively. Y

Raised brackets 38 and 39, secured to the plate 33, are adapted to.lsupport a telephone handset 40 so that the transmitter Il and receiver 42 thereof rest within the mouths of the cups 34 and 35 adjacent the speaker 36 and microphone 31 respectively. The upper inner diameters of the cups 34\,and 35 are larger than those of the telephone transmitter 4| and receiver 42, so that the latter rest therein with substantial clearance as shown in Figures l and 4.

Answering speech and cyclic control mechanism An inverted U shaped supporting plate 43, Figures 1, 8 and 9, is secured in the lower part of the casing 3| and has fasned thereto a small gear-box 44. A vertical shaft 45, ,iournalled in the box 44, carries on its upper end a turn-table 46 adapted to support and drive a record 41. The turn-table 46 may be driven by a motor 48, Figures 8 and 9, in any suitable manner, for example via a rim-driving intermediate roller 49, Figure 8. As such drives are well-known in the art, no further description thereof is necessary.

An elongated extension 50 of the gear box 44, Figure 9, has journalled therein a cam-shaft which is driven through a worm-gear 52, Figure 1, by a worm 53 on the vertical shaft 45. The shaft 5| carries four cams 54, 55, 56 and 51, hereinafter described in greater detail.

The cam 54 has a spiral lobe 58, as shown in Figure 12. A forked rod 59, longitudinally guided on the shaft 5|, carries a pin 60 riding on the periphery of the cam 54. The rod 59 is pivoted to the short. arm of a bell crank 6|, Figure l. The longer arm 62 of the bell crank extends outward through a slot 63 in the front of the casing 3|, Figures 4 and 5, and terminates in a pointer 64 cooperative with an exterior scale or dial 65. will be evident that as the cam 54 revolves clockwise, Figure 12, and the pin 60 rides up the lobe 58, the bell crank 6| is rocked clockwise and the pointer 64 is moved upward along the scale 65 until the pin over-rides the tip of the lobe 58, whereupon the pointer 64 is returned to its lower position by gravity.

The cam 55, Figure 13, hereinafter termed the switch cam, has a periphery comprising two circumferential portions 65 and 66 of different radii, the radius of arc portion 65 being greater than that of arc portion 66.

An insulated pin 61, secured in and protruding from the rear side of the -cam 55, is adapted to engage and momentarily open a small breaker 68, shown in detail in Figures 16 and 18. A similar pin 69 is adapted to engage and momentarily close a normally open switch 10, shown in detail section in Figure 16.

The numeral 1|, Figure 16, generally denotes a gang-switch comprising three double-throw switch units 12, 13 and 14. The switches 12, 13

.and 14 have central arms 15, 16 and 11 respectively, all secured in a common shaft 18 which is preferably of insulating material. The constructions of the three switches are substantially identical, Figure 17 showing typically the structure of switch 12 in which the central arm 15 is adapted to complete circuits either through an upper contact point 19 or a lower contact point 80.

A tappet arm 8|, Figures 13 and 16, is secured to the gang-switch shaft 18 and rides on the periphery of cam 55. A torsion spring 82, Figure 16, urges the arm 8| upward and throws the central arms 15, 16 and 11 into engagement with their upper contact points when the arm 8| is in engagement with the cam portion 66, but in normal position, as shown in Figure 13, the larger radial portion 65 of cam 55 holds the arm 8| down and the switches in lower contact engagement.

The cam 56, Figure 14, has in its periphery a notch 83. A transverse rocker shaft 84, Figures 1, 9 and 14, is journalled in lugs 85 and 86 on the upper mounting portion 81 of the gear-box 44 and has secured on one end a short lever 88 which carries a roller 89 engaging the cam 66. In normal or stop position the roller 89 rests in the notch 83 as shown in Figure 9, but when the cam starts its clockwise rotation the roller is forced out of the notch, thereby rocking the lever 88 and shaft 84 clockwise. A torsion spring 90, coiled around the shaft 84 as shown in Figure 9, urges the roller 89 against the cam 56.

A downwardly extending lever 9|', Figures 1 and 9, is secured to the inner end of the rocker shaft 84.

Referring to Figure 1, the numeral 92 denotes a channel-shaped lever pivoted at 93 in the front of the casing 3|. An arm 94, hereinafter referred to as the switch control arm, is also swung on the pivot 93 and extends outwardly through an opening 95 in the casing 3|. I'he outer end of the arm 94 comprises a weighted cross member 96, Figures 1, 4 and 5, adapted to engage and normally depress the switch control member 91 of the main telephone unit 98. A set screw 99 in a lug |00 on the bottom of the arm 94 bears against the lever 92 and is adjustable inwardly and outwardly to vary the normal vertical position *of the weighted member 96.

A magnetic latch |0|, Figures 1, 2 and 3, is secured to lower end of the channel lever 92. The latch |0| comprises an angle frame |02, an electro-magnet |03, and an armature |04 pivoted at |05 to the inwardly extending foot |06 of the frame |02. The lower end of the armature |04 extends through the foot |06 to form a short detent |01.

A nger |08, pivoted to the lever 9|, is urged upward by a spring |09 so that the tip ||0 of the iinger normally rests against the bottom of the foot. |06 behind the detent |01 as shown in Figure l. When the magnet |03 is energized it holds the armature |04 locked against its face, so that when the shaft 84 and lever 9| are rocked clockwise as previously described, the tip l0 of nger |08 engaging the detent |01 swings the channel lever 92 forward as shown in Figure 2 to raise the arm 94 and cross member 96, the latter as shown in dot-and-dash lines in Figure l. If while the parts are in this position the magnet |03 is de-energized it releases the armature |04, causing the detent |01 to rock outward and release the finger tip l0, as shown in Figure 3, allowing the weighted member 96 of the arm 94 to fall and swing the lever 92 inward to normal position against stationary stop A light torsion spring |04A is provided to return the armaturev|04 to normal position. It is evident that when the iinger |08 has been released by the detent |01 as described above, the tip |8 cannot re-engage the rear of the detent until complete rotation of the cam 56 has allowed the lever 9| to retract the nger |08 to normal position as shown in Figure 1. AThe purpose of the foregoing arrangement will be hereinafter explained during the description of the general operation of the machine.

A small horizontal arm |2 on the arm 9|, Figure 1, is adapted to engage and actuate a normally open push switch ||3 of any suitable type when the shaft 84 is rocked clockwise.

A phonograph arm ||4, Figures 1, 8, 9, 10 and il, is vertically pivoted on the usual swivel support secured to the plate 43. The arm ||4 is equipped with a reproducer or pick-up ||6, Figure 1, of any suitable type employing a needle II1 and adapted to cooperate with the record 41. A small cross member ||3, secured in the under portion of the arm ||4, as shown in detail in Figures 10 and 1l, has a downwardly extending rigid linger ||9. A lift lever |20, pivoted at |2| to a supporting bracket |22 on the plate 43, Figure 8, has a plurality of inclined notches |23, |23A, etc., adapted to underlie the finger ||9. The inner end of the lever |20 carries a pin |24 which rides on the periphery of the cam 51, hereinafter referred to as the speech control cam.

Referring to Figure 15, it will be seen'that the cam 51 comprises a circumferential portion |25 of radius smaller than the remaining portion |26, the pin |24 normally resting on the larger portion |26 and thus holding the lever |20 inclined upward as shown in Figure 15. When the lever is thus raised, it engages the finger ||9 to hold the reproducer arm ||4 suiiiciently elevated that the needle ||1 is clear of the record 41 as shown in Figure l. In this raised position, due to the angularity of the notches, for example notch |23 as shown in Figure 1l, the finger 9 rests in the right-hand or outer corner of the notch. When the cam 51 revolves and the pin |24 rides down to the reduced cam portion |25, the lever |20 lowers the arm ||4 to bring the needle ||1 into engagement with the record 41, and due to the fact that the linger ||9 is definitely positioned in notch |23 as noted above, the point of engagement of the needle on the record is accurately determined. The duration of the engagement, as determined by the reduced cam portion |25, is so proportioned to the cross feed of the rotating record that the arm ||4 is again lifted by the lever |20 before the finger ||9 can overrun the inner slope of the notch |23. Consequently, at each cyclic rotation of the cam 51 the needle I1 is brought into engagement with and allowed to traverse a definite zone on the f record, this zone being illustrated at |21 in Figure 8. When the cam again raises the reproducer, the finger ||9 in being lifted slides down the slope of the notch |23 into initial position. Similarly, if the finger ||9 is placed in the notch |23A, each cyclic operation causes the needle |1 to traverse a second pre-determined zone |21A, Figure 8 on the record 41, and the same applies to each of the other notches, each notch controlling the pickup to repeatedly play throughout its particular zone on the record.

Referring to Figure 9, a transverse strip |23 which supports the gang-switch 1| and breaker 68, also carries a normally closed single break contact relay |29 and a relay |30, to make three sets of contacts and break one set, these being standard devices shown in electrical detail in the wiring diagram, Figure 22. A thermal relay |3| having a bimetallic arm |3|A is mounted on an insulating base |32 on the support |28. The arm |3|A is adapted when heated to bend into contact with an adjustable contact screw |33. A small heating coil |34 surrounds the arm |3|A, the electrical connections of these devices also being shown in detail on the wiring diagram Figrure 22 and hereinafter described.

Recording mechanism for incoming speech and play-back Referring to Figure l, a platform or board |35 is secured in the upper part of the casing 3|. A

seconLi. gear-box |36 attached to the platform |35, 'rotatably supports a second vertical shaft |31 carrying an upper turn-table |33 which is adapted to be rim-driven by a motor |39 in any suitable manner as set forth with respect to lower tum-table 46.

An outwardly extending shaft |40, journalled in the second gear-box |36 and driven therein through suitable worm-gearing (not shown) by the shaft lu, terminates in a lead screw |4|.

A recording or cutter arm |42, preferably of inverted channel shape, is swung on a transverse pivot |43 in the head |44 of a hollow swivel |45 and carries in its forward end a recorder or cutter head |46, the cutter head being mounted in any suitable manner permitting limited vertical movement in the arm, such mountingsbeing well known in the art and therefore requiring no further description herein. q

The side members |41 of the arm |42 extend downward through a clearance opening |48 in the board |35 and are directed forward and secured together thereunder to form a feeding arm |49, Figure l. The arm |49 terminates in a downwardly directed knife edge |50 adapted to engage the thread-grooves of the lead screw |4|. It will be understood that when the cutter arm |42 is rocked upward, the knife edge |50 clears the screw |4| to allow the arm to be swung manually to various positions over the record blank |59.

An upright bracket 5| secured to the top of the platform |35 below the recorder arm |42 has horizontally pivoted thereon a shoe |52 provided with a small handle |53, these parts being shown in place in Figures 1 and 4 and in cross sectional details in Figures 19 and 20. The shoe |52 has a smooth rear edge |54 and a plurality of spaced notches |55, 55A, etc., in its front edge. A light torsion spring |55, Figures 19 and 20, urges the shoe clockwise. When the recorder arm |42 is lowered into recording position the smooth rear edge |54 of the shoe |52 is pressed lightly against the bottom of the inner side member |41. In this position, due to the lightness of the spring pressure and the smoothness of the rear shoe edge |54, the latter offers no resistance to the cross feed of the arm |42 in recording. However, when the arm |42 is raised, the spring |56 swings the shoe |52 back over center against a stop |51 as shown in Figure 20. In this position the shoe 52 forms a support for the arm |42 which prevents the latter from being accidentally dropped so as to bring its cutting needle or stylus |58 violently against the record blank |59. When it is desired to set the cutter needle in engagement with the record blank, the shoe |52 is swung forward by means of the handle |53, allowing the cutter to be lowered easily and accurately. Prior to lowering the cutter, the side member |41 may be set in any desired one of the nctches |55, |55A, etc. These notches are so located and spaced as to guide the stylus |58 into engagement with the record blank at points corresponding to the outer limits of the zones |21, |21A, etc., of the lower record 41, for purposes hereinafter set forth. When the arm |42 is swung clear of the record blank into non-operating position in Figure l and in dot-and-dash lines, Figure 4, its side member |41 rests in a deep notch 4|60 in the shoe |52, and a stationary spring clip |6| may be provided to hold the arm in this position.

A second hinged reproducer arm |62, hereinafter termed the playback arm, is swivelled at |63 in the usual manner and carries a reproducer or pickup |84 'similar to the lower pickup ||8, the pickup |84 'being adapted to cooperate with the upper record blank |58 after recordings have been made thereon.

The numeral |85, Figure 4, indicates a volume control potentiometer, shown electrically in Figure 22. A three position four-pole manual switch |88, Figure lfalso shown in electrical detail on the wiring diagram, Figure 22, is equipped with an indicating knob I 81, Figure 4, cooperative with a dial |88.

An amplifier |89 of any suitable type, is mounted in the bottom of casing 8| as shown in Figure 1. A normally open push button switch |18 is located in the upper platform |85. 'I'he master switch |1| and a tell-tale bulls eye lamp |12 are secured in the front of the casing 8| as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

A normally closed push switch |18, Figures l and 4, hereinafter termed the limit switch, is secured to the bottom of platform |85 in position to be engaged and opened by the feeding arm |49 as it reaches the inner limit of its travel along the feed screw |4|.

A flexible current supply cord comprising twin conductors |14 and |15, Figures 4 'and 5, and` adapted to be connected to amr suitable source of current, leads into the lower part of the casing 8|.

Signal detecting mechanism A second flexible cord comprising light twin conductors |18 and |11, Figure 4, leads from the casing 8| to a detector, interrupter or signal pickup |18 adapted to be attached to the telephone bell box |19 in a suitable manner, such as by a rubber suction cup |88. The usual telephone cords |8| and |82 connect the telephone unit 88 with the bell-box |19 and hand-set 48 respectively.

The detector |18, shown in enlarged detail in Figures 6 and 7, has a at insulating plate 88 secured to the suction cup |88 or equivalent fastening means. A transverse contactor bar |84, suspended through an upright central rod |85 from a small eye-bolt |88, normally rests across two contact members |81 and |88, the latter members being connected to the conductors |18 and |11 respectively.

Referring to the wiring diagram, Figure 22, the supply conductor |15 is connected directly to a current supply trunk conductor |89. The supply conductor |14 is connected through the master switch |1|, a. wire |98, the normally closed limit switch |13, and a short lead |8| to a second current supply trunk conductor |82.

Starting circuit The primary winding |98 of a transformer |94 is connected between the trunk conductors |89 and |92. The secondary winding |95, which is of low potential such as six volts, is connected on one side via the conductor |18 to the contact member |81 of detector |18. The other side of the secondary |95 is connected via a wire |98 to the normally closed relay |29, which in turn is connected through the conductor |11 to the detector contact member |88.

It will be evident that when the transformer |84 is energized and the detector bar |84 lies on the contact members |81 and |88,- a closed circuit exists through the relay |29, causing the movable contact arm |91 thereof to be held clear of its fixed contact point |98 against the urge of the closing spring |99.

The movable contact arm |81 is connected to the trunk conductor |82. The fixed contact point |88 is connected to one aide of the heating coil |84 of thermal relay |8|, while the other side of the coil |84 is connected through a branch lead |84A and a manual switch 288 to a contact point |84B normally engaged by one movable contact arm 288 of the relay |88. The ann 288 is connected by leads 284 and 288 and the switch 88 with the trunk conductor |88.

The bimetallic contact arm |8|A is also connected through a branch |8|B to the trunk conductor |88. This arm normally stands clear of the adjustable contact |88, but when sufficiently heated is adapted to bend into engagement with the latter. Leads 288 and 28| connect the contact |88 to one side of the three-pole relay 88, the other side of |88 being connected via a branch 282 to trunk conductor |82. One movable contact arm 288 of relay. as noted above, is electrically joined via lead 284, the normally closed switch 88, Figures 16 and 18, and lead 285 to the trunk conductor |88, while the corresponding ilxed contact point 288 is connected to the relay lead 28|. Thus when the thermal contact arm |8|A engages the point |88, the relay |88 is thrown in circuit across trunk conductors |88 and |92 and as the relay is energized it closes the arm 288 on the contact point 288, establishing a second or holding connection to the trunk conductor |89, so that after the thermal arm |8|A breaks its contact the relay |88 remains closed until its above described holding circuit is broken either by opening switch 88 or by failure of current supply.

The latchmagnet |88, Figures l, 2 and 3, is connected on one side via a lead 288 to the trunk conductor |82 and on the other to a conductor 2|8 connected to a third contact point 2|4 of the relay |88.

A second movable contact member or arm 2|8 of relay |88, adapted to engage point 2I4, is joined to arm 288 by a Jumper 2|4A and thence via lead 284, switch 88 and branch 285 to the trunk conductor |88. It is evident from the above described connections that latch magnet |88 is energized whenever relay |88 is closed.

The push button switch |18 is adapted to connect the trunk conductor |88 via wires 288 and 28| to the relay |88. This switch thus parallels the thermal relay |8| and is operable independently of the latter to close the relay |88.

Motor circuits A lead 2|8 forms a connection from the trunk conductor |82 to a third movable contact arm 2|| on relay |88. 'I'he corresponding fixed contact 2|2 is connected via wire 2|2A to the lower motor 48, the other side of the latter being connected to trunk conductor |88. The switch ||8, Figure 1, is connected in parallel across the contacts 2|| and 2|2.

The upper or recording motor |89 has on one side a direct connecting lead 2|5 from the trunk conductor |82. The other lead 2|8 of motor |89 is connected to the central contact arm 18 of the double-throw switch 12, Figures 16, 17 and 22. The arm 15, as previously set forth, normally rests in engagement with the contact point 88 of switch 12. The second contact point 19 of switch 12 is electrically joined via a lead 2|1 to the conductor 2|8 connected at one end to the relay contact point 2|4 and at the other to an outer contact point 2|9 of one unit 88A of the fourpole triple throw manual switch |88, Figures 1 and 4. A jumper 226 connects the other outer point 22| of unit I66A with point 2|9. Central point 222 of switch |66A has no exterior connections. The contact arm 224 of unit |66A normally engages the idle central point 222.

A second unit |66D of the manual switch |66 has an arm 21| connected to the arm 224 through a lead 223 and to the trunk conductor |89 by a branch 225. The outer contact points 212 and 213 of switch unit |66D are bridged by a jumper 214, and the point 212 is connected via a wire 215 to the normally engaged contact point 86 of the cam switch 12. It will be noted from the foregoing description that the motor |39 is normallystopped, lacking a complete connection `to the trunk conductor |89. Such a connection can be established by throwing the contact arm into engagement with the contact point 8|, a function carried out by the cam 51 during the automatic cycle as hereinafter set forth. However, with the switch 12 in normal position as shown, if the manual switch arms 224 and 21| are thrown either to the left or to the right into contact with their outer contact points, a circuit is also completed through the motor to conductor 225 and thence to trunk conductor |89, while at the same time a connection is established from conductor |89 to the conductor 2| 8 independently of the relay |36; Ihe purpose of this provision is to permit manual control of the motor |39 and amplifier |69 for play back and for direct recording, as explained more fully hereinafter in describing the general voperation of the invention.

Automatic speech and recording circuits It will be noted on Figure 22 that the manual switch |66 has additional units I66B and |66C having contact arms 249 and 231 respectively engaging central contact points 256 and 238 when in position for automatic operation, this position corresponding to the marking A on the dial |68, Figure 4.

Supply conductors 226 and 221 connected respectively to the conductor 2|8 and the trunk conductor |92 are provided to furnish primary current to the power transformer 228 `of the amplier |69. While any suitable type of-amplifier may be used, for purposes of illustration a type is shown employing four amplifying tubes 229, 236, 23| and 232, and the usual rectifier tube 233. As the internal circuits and functions of such amplifiers are well known in the art, to avoid prolixity and unnecessary multiplication of numbers the present amplier |69 need be described herein only in such details as aiect its exterior connections.

The main input lead 234 of the ampliiier is connected to the contact arm 'I1 of the doublethrow cam-switch 14, Figure 16. In normal position the arm 11 is in engagement with stationary contact point 235, which is connected by a Wire 236 with the movable contact arm 231 of triplethrow switch unit I66C, the latter being part of the manually operable switch |66,'Figure 1. The arm 231 normally engages the central contact point 238 which is connected through adjustable resistor 239 to the lower reproducen or pickup |I6, the other connection of ||6 being the usual ground provision 246. Thus in normal automatic position the pickup I6 is connected to the amplifier input.

When the switch arm 11 is thrown, as previously set forth in connection with Figures 13 and 16, it engages its second contact point 24| which is coupled to the microphone 31 via the usual condenser 242, the'tube 229 and an exterior lead 243. Thus throwing the arm 11 to the left connects the microphone to the amplier input.

16, is connected by a wire 244 with the secondary 245 of the output, transformer 246. Arm 16 normally engages the contact point 241 which is connected through a wire 248 with the arm 249 of the three position manual switch unit |66B. The arm 249 is normally closed on its central contact point 256 which in turn is connected via an exterior lead 25| with the speaker 36. From the above description, it is evident that in normal position of the switches the speaker 36 is connected to the amplifier input lead 244.

The normally open signal switch 16, Figure 16, is connected between the wire 248 and the output conductors 244, for purposes hereinafter described.

When the switch arm 16 is thrown it engages its second contact point 252 which is connected through a lead 253 to the recorder head or cutter |46, which may thus be connected through to the output conductor 244.

Continuous recording and playback circuits When the machine is set for automatic answering and recording, as noted throughout the foregoing description, the switch arms 224, 21|, 249 and 231 of the three way manual switch |63 remain engaged with their middle contacts, this position being indicated at A on the dial |68, Figure 4. When it is desired to carry out direct recording independently ofthe automatic cycle, the switch arms 224, 21|, 249 and 231 are thrown into engagement with their respective outer contact points 2|9, 212, 254 and 255, the recording position being indicatedat R on the dial |64. 'Ihis shift of arms 224 and 21| energizes the upper motor |39 as previously described.' Contact point 254 is connected to the cutter |46 through a lead 256 and the conductor 253, so that in recording position as noted the cutter |46 is connected through to the output 'conductor 244.

The contact point 255 is connected by a wire 251 to the conductor 258 leading to the condenser 242. Thus shifting arm 231 into contact with point 255 again couples the microphone 31 to the input through `the connections previously described.

231 are manually thrown to the right into contact respectively with outer points 22|, 213, 259 and 266, the pointer knob |61 indicating the position P on the dial |68, Figure 4. In this position, as previously set forth, the switch |66D throws the motor |39 into circuit between trunk conductors |89 and |92. The point 259, engaged by arm 249, is connected through a lead 26| and the wire 25| to the speaker 36, which by this means and the previously described connections is thrown into circuit with the outputA conductor 244. The point 266 is connected through a conductor 262 and the potentiometer with the upper reproducer or pickup I 64.4 Therefore, when the arm 231 is thrown into contact with the point 266, the pickup |64 is connected to the input conductor 234 through the switch 14 and previously described related elements.

Due to the fact that the amplier supply conductor 226 is connected to the conductor 2| 8 The movable arm 1s of the switch 13F1gre u leading to the manual switch points 2|9 and 22|, whenever the manual switch |66 is shifted to eitherplay-back or straight recording positions the amplifier receives current at the same time that the upper motor |39 is started, but since the conductor 2|8 terminates at the normally disengaged contact member 2|4 of the relay |30, the lower motor 48 is not energized by the playback or straight recording circuits. If desired, the small manual breaker switch 263 previously noted in the Iconductor 34A, may be opened to prevent any possibility of the starting circuit being completed by a telephone ring during these operations.

In order to assure prompt response from the amplifier |69 at all times, the filaments 264, 265, 266 and 261 of the amplifying tubes are kept heated independently by current supplied through conductors 268 and 269 from the low voltage secondary |95 of the transformer |94.

Operation For automatic operation of the device, the telephone 98 is vplaced in front of the unit 30 as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the handset being placed on the supports 38 and 39 with the transmitter 4| and receiver 42 projecting into the cups 34 and 35 adjacent the speaker 36 and microphone 31. The arm 94 is swung downward until the weighted cross member 96 engages and depresses the telephone switch member 91, thus holding the telephone line disconnected. The' screw 99 may be initially adjusted inwardly or outwardly according to the height of the particular telephone used, to assure that the member 96, in its normal lower position, holds the switch member 91 fully depressed. The cutter arm |42 is lowered by means of the handle |53 to place the cutting stylus |58 in engagement with the record blank |59. The master switch |1| is closed energizing the trunk conductors |89 and |92,-and the manual switch knob |61 is placed at the central or A position, thus setting up the circuits previously described for automatic operation in switch |66.

Starting When the bell 210 rings in the bell-box |19, Figure 6, the vibrations of the box |19 are transmitted through the cup |80 to the detector |18, causing the detector bar |84 to dance or chatter on the contacts |81 and |88. 'I'his action causes a succession of breaks in the normally closed circuit through the relay |29, allowing the latters spring |99 to draw the armature |91 into engagement with the contact point |98. 'Ihe action of the spring |99 is practically instan taneous, While the magnet of the relay |29 has sufficient lag that it is not able to re-open the contacts between all successive breaks of the circuit through the detector |18. As a result, the armature |91 and contact point |98 remains in substantially constant engagement throughout the duration of the ring. A circuit is thereby set up from the current supply trunk conductor |92, armature |91, contact |98, heating coil |34, branch |34A, closed switch 263, point |34B, arm 203, lead 204, switch 68 and lead 205 to the other current supply trunk conductor |89, causing the coil |34 to heat the bimetallic arm |3|A.

As the arm |3|A rises in temperature it bends toward the, adjustable contact |33. However, for reasons hereinafter explained, the contact |33 is normally set suciently far from the bimetallic arm |3|A that the latter does not receive sutilcient heat over the duration of single machine ring to enable |3|A to bend entirely into contact with |33. During the interval after the rst ring the coil |34 and arm |3|A partially cool down, the latter bending away from vthe point |33 a portion of the distance it has previously advanced. The second ring of the phone bell again energizes the coil in the manner described, and since some residual heat remains in the coil |34 and arm |3|A, the latter bends still nearer the point |33. This process is repeated, the arm |3|A advancing step by step until it has accumulated sufiicient heat to bring it into contact with the point |33. Thereby the previously described circuit is closed from trunk conductor |89, bimetallic arm |3|A, contact point |33. leads 200 and 20|, the relay |30, and the branch 202 to the trunk conductor |92. The relay |30 being energized, closes its contacts to start the cyclic operation of the machine.

It is evident" from the foregoing that the detector |18 operates purely by direct mechanical vibration, requiring no electrical, inductive or acoustic coupling or tuning with the telephone circuit or bell. The contact |33, being adjustable as shown in Figure 9, may be set to require any desired number of successive rings or the equivalent in a long continuous ring before the starting contact is made! This coding or adjustable time delay provision prevents the starting circuit from being closed by accidental jarring of the bell box, for example by slamming doors or other extraneous vibrations, which accidental starting may occur with any type of apparatus operable at the first impulse, while at the same time this simple and cheap apparatus avoids the use of more expensive and complicated-stepby-step code relays and the like. When the relay |30 closes as noted above it also breaks the heater coil circuit through 34 at the contact point |34B, on this relay, preventing any possible additional heating of coil |34 during the cycle.

The relay |30 having been energized by the starting circuit closes its three contacts to energize the amplifier |69, the latch magnet |03 and the motor 48 through the previously described connections, thereby starting the cycle of operations. The successive functions of the cycle may best be followed by reference to the polar timing diagram Figure 21, in which the clockwise direction from the point'indicated start indicates the relationship of these functions.

Answering As the motor 48 starts, it rotates the lower turntable 46 and through the shaft 45 and worm gearing 53 and 52, the cam-shaft 5| and its cams 54, 55, 56 and 51 are also rotated. The initial movement of the cam 56, Figure 14, rocks the arm 88 outward, thereby alsorocking the shaft 84 and its arm 9|, Figure 1, and thrusting the nger |08 forward. The magnet |03 being energized, holds the detent |01 in latching position and the forwardly moving flnger |08 in engagement with the detent rocks the channel lever forward, thereby rocking the exterior arm 94 upward. This movement raisesA the weighted member 86 from the phone switch member 91, allowing the latter to rise and complete the telephone circuit. During the rocking of the shaft 84, time extension ||2 closes the switch |3, Figure At the same time that the above actions are taking place, the pin |24 of lever |20, Figures 10, 11 and 15, rides down the slope of cam 51 to the reduced portion of the latter, thus causing the lever |20 to lower the pickup arm I I4 until the needle ||1 of pickup ||6 engages the record 41 at the outer edge of one of the zones on the latter, for example zone |21, Figure 8. The zone |21 carries a recording of any desired answering speech, for example-Mn Blank is not at home. but if you wish to leave a message the automatic recorder will record'it for him. When you hear the signal, speak directly into the telephone for not over thirty-five seconds." The pickup ||6 being connected to the amplifier input as previously described and the speaker 36 similarly being connected to the output, the speech recording is picked up, amplified, and spoken by the speaker 36 into the phoe transmitter 4| in the cup 34. The duration of this answering period is indicated by the segment labelled "answering, Figure 21. At the end of this period the lift lever |20 is again rocked upward, raising the pickup arm ||4 away from the record and allowing the leg ||9 to slide down the notch |23, thereby returning the pickup ||6 to initial position ready for its next repetition of the answering speech.

Message recording During the foregoing rise of the lower pickup arm, the end 65A of the enlarged portion 65 of cam 55, Figure 13, releases the gang-switch lever 8|, allowing the spring 82 to shift the gangswitch arms 15, 16 and 11 of switch 1| into contact with their second contacts 19, 252 and 24|, Figure 22. By this operation, as previously described in detail in connection with Figure 212, the upper motor |39 is started, the pickup ||6 and speaker 36 are disconnected, the microphone 31 is coupled to the amplifier input, and the cutter |46 is connected to the output.

Shortly after the above shift has occurred, 40 the pin 69, Figures 13 and 16, momentarily closes the signal switch 10. By reference to Figure 22 it will be seen that this closure momentarily reconnects the speaker 36 to the output transformer 246. Thus the speaker 36 and microphone 243 are both connected to the amplifier at the same time, and due to their relative nearness in the casing 3| and the clearance past the telephone receiver and transmitter in cups 35 and 34, an acoustic coupling is set up between the microphone and speaker, causing the latter to emit a tone which is transmitted out through the phone. This momentary tone serves as a signal to the person calling to begin delivering his message.

As the caller speaks, his message is delivered by the telephone receiver 42 to the microphone 31, whence it is carried to the amplier, amplied'and recorded by the cutter stylus |58 on the record blank |59. At the end of the recording period the breaker switch 68 is momentarily opened by the pin 61 on cam 55, Figures 13 and 18. This breaks the holding circuit through the relay |30, allowing the latter to open and deenergize the amplifier |69, motor |39, and latch magnet |03.

'I'he magnet |03 releases the armature |04, Figure 3, allowing the weight of the cross member 96 and arm 94 to swing the lever 92 inward, the detent |01 over-riding the finger |08. 'I'he weighted member 96 in dropping, depresses the switch member 91 to disconnect the telephone circuit, terminating the call.

The motor 48 continues to run, the roller 89, Figure 13, rolling down into,the notch 83 in cam 75 56 under the urge of the torsion spring 90 which rocks the rocker shaft 84 with the lever 9| vand extension ||2 counterclockwise. Thereby the finger |08 is retracted behind the detent |01, the latter meanwhile having been returned to initial latching position as shown in Figure 1 by the light spring |04A. The extension ||2 also allows the switch ||3 to open, de-energizing the motor 48. The motor 48, turn-table 46 and cam-shaft 5| come to a stop with a small amount of coast" due to momentum, this period being represented in Figure 21 by the segment labelled Stopping During the coast the cam 55, Figure13, throws the lever 8| and connected gang-switch 1| back to initial position against the urge of torsion spring 82, the resistance furnished by this spring acting, through the lever 8| against the cam slope, as a brake to limit the coasting. The entire control mechanism having returned to stop in initial position, the device is ready for the next call, whereupon the entire cycle is repeated in the same manner described.

'I'he record blank |59 comprises sucient surface for a number of successive message recordings, the exact number being determined by the size of record cuts per inch, recording R. P. M. and duration of the recording period, these factors being proportioned to give the maximum number of call recordings normally required during average periods in which the telephone is unattended. During such a period the cutter stylus |58 remains engaged with the record blank |59 and the knife edge |50 remains engaged with the feed screw |4I, so no attendance is necessary between successive recordings of a series of messages.

If at any time the number of successive in- .coming calls exceeds the capacity of the record blank |59, the feeding arm |49 at its inner limit of travel engages and opens the limit switch |13, Figures 1 and 3, breaking the main circuit and holding the machine out of operation until a new record blank surface is provided.

Current failure release In case of current failure during a call, for example if a fuse blows somewhere in the supply line, of course the entire mechanism stops and remains stopped until current is restored. During such a period, which may" be of considerable length, it is undesirable that the telephone should remain open that is, connected. In the present invention the provision of the latch |0| eliminates this possibility, since current failure de-energizes the magnet |03 to release the finger |08 as shown in Figure 3, allowing the weighted cross member 96 to drop onthe switch member 91 and thereby disconnect the telephone. When current is re- .stored the arm 94 and member 96 cannot `be lifted by the mechanism until the finger |08 has been retracted behind the detent |01, and this can only be brought about by completing the cycle of the cam 56.

In the above case of current failure during the cycle, lack of current also will have allowed the relay |30 to drop out, and upon restoration of current the relay normally remains open so that no current is restored through its contacts to the motor 48, latch magnet |03, motor |39 or amplifier |69. However, the motor 48 is individually supplied with restored current through the switch ||3 which is held closed throughout the cycle by lever extension |12, Figure l. The motor 48 therefore starts and drives the control mechanism to the completion of the interrupted cycle,

thus restoring the device to normal condition ready to answer the next incoming cali. To summarize the foregoing, failure of current simply disables the device and if the failure occurs during a cycle, terminates the phone call. Upon restoration of current the device automatically restores itself to normal start position without disturbing the telephone circuit. It is thus impossible for the machine to start answering a call on partial cycle. Even in the extremely coincidental case of an incoming call ring occurring immediately after current restoration, the telephone circuit is not completed until the device has reached normal start position, whereupon, if the call has persisted it is answered in the normal manner as described.

When the machine is not in use, for example when a person is present to answer the phone directly, the handset 40 may be removed from the cups 34 and 35 and placed on its switch member 91 in the usual position, the arm 94 being folded upward into the position shown in Figure 4. In this position it will be noted that the arm 94 and cross member 96 are so disposed as to interfere with placing of the handset in the cups 34 and 35. This arrangement prevents a user from forgetting to lower the member 96 on the phone switch member when setting the device for automatic operation.

Recording answering speeches As previously stated, any desired answering speech recording of proper length may be carried by the lower record 41; such a speech may be recorded by the user as follows:

The telephone handset is removed and the arm 94 swung up as explained above. A record blank` is placed on the upper turn-table |38 and the cutter arm |42 is set in any desired notch in the shoe |52, such as notch |55, Figures 4 and 16. The shoe |52 is swung forward, lowering the cutter arm to bring the stylus |58 on the record blank at the outer edge of the desired recording zone |21 and placing the knife edge |50 in mesh with the feed screw 14|.

The user next presses the push-button switch |10, energizing the relay |30 through the Wire 209, Figure 22. The relay |30 closes and starts the machine through a cycle. The user waits until he hears the signal tone at the point shown in Figure 21, that is when the motor |39 has started and the device is conditioned for recording. The user then speaks the desired answering speech into the cup 35. The microphone 31 receives the speech in the usual manner and relays it through the amplifier |09 to the cutter |40 which makes a recording thereof on the record blank. f

The spiral lobe 58 of the indicator cam 54 is so located and proportioned that through the bring its recording properly in the required zone on the record blank. Having completed his speech recording the operator raises the cutter arm |40, waits until the automatic cycle is completed, then transfers the newly made answering record to the lower tum-table 40 where it becomes the record 41. The lower reproducer arm ||4 is set with its leg Il! in the proper notch |23 to lower the pickup needle ||1 into the recorded zone |21, a new blank |59 is placed on the upper table, and the device is again ready for use as previously described, each following call being answered by the newly recorded speech.

As many answering speeches may be made on one record as there are notches in the lift lever |20, Figures 10 and 11, and any one of the speeches may be utilized for answering a particular series of calls by setting the leg H0 in the proper notch in lever |20.

It is obvious that by using slow rotative record speeds and a relatively large number of lines per inch, a larger number of answering speeches and incoming calls may be recorded per record, the proportions, number of notches |23, etc., of the present example being given only for purposes of illustration. It will also be noted that the machine may be constructed for any desired lengths and proportions of the answering and recording periods, these functions being dependent only on the rotative speed and proportioning of the control cams.

When a speech is being made as described above, the lower pickup ||0 may be allowed to operate on a previously made record or may be swung clear of its turn-table 46. A door 210, Figure 5, is provided in the side of the casing 3| to allow access to the lower turn-table and related parts.

Playback When a series of recordings of telephone messages has been automatically made on an upper record blank |59, and the user wishes to reproduce or play back the recordings, the procedure is as follows:

previously described mechanical connections it moves the exterior indicator or timer pointer 54 upward along the scale 65, Figures 4 and 5, starting the pointer upward as the signal sounds and completing the movement at the end of a period of time equal to the desired length of the answering period. For example, if the normal answering period setby the control apparatus is twenty seconds, the cam 54 is proportioned to raise the pointer 64 uniformly along the entire scale 65 in twenty seconds, and the scale is calibrated from zero to twenty as shown in Figures 4 and 5. By watching the upward progress of the pointer, the person recording the answering speech is enabled to time his message accurately, so as to The cutter arm |42 is raised, the shoe |52 springing back to hold the recording mechanism disengaged as previously explained. 'I'he manual switch knob |01 is turned to P position, throwing the various arms of switch |00 to their right-hand contact positions in Figure 22. This shift operates through the various connections previously traced and explained in detail to energize the motor |39 and amplifier |09, connect the amplifier output to the speaker 30, and connect the upper pickup |04 to the input. The operator then places the pickup |04 with its needle in engagement with the recordings on blank |59 in the usual manner, the messages being played or spoken by the speaker 30 through the cup 34. If desired the handset 40 may be removed during playback but this is not usually necessary, as the clearance between the cup 34 and transmitter 4| is sumcient for emission of the sound. The volume of reproduction may be controlled by means of the potentiometer |05.

To prevent any possibility of the automatic starting circuit being closed by a phone ring during a playback, the manual switch 203 may be opened to disable the circuit of heater |34.

Straight recording` When it is desired to perform straight recording on the blank |59 for any purpose such as dictation, leaving omce instructions, or the like, the handset 40 is removed, the manual switch knob |61 is turned to R position, Figure 4, and the cutter stylus |58 is lowered into engagement with the record blank |59 by means of lever |53. The shift of knob |61 throws the arms of switch |66 to their left hand contact positions, Figure 22, again energizing the motor |39 and amplifier |69, connecting the cutter |46 to the amplifier output and coupling the microphone 31 to the input, all as previously traced and explained in detail. The speech or other sound to be recorded is directed into the cup 35 where it is received by the microphone 31, transferred through the amplifier to the cutter |46, and recorded on the blank |59. The recording may continue throughout a part of or the entire surface of the blank |59, since the control is entirely manual. As in the case of playback, the switch 263 may be opened to disable the automatic starting circuit. Records containing telephone messages, etc., may be played back as often as desired, and may then be led or thrown away. Since high fidelity or great durability are not necessary, any suitable cheap type of record may be used.

From the description of the apparatus and operation, it is evident that the invention provides an effective means to accomplish the purposes' set forth, comprising a device which is simply and readily operable by anyone familiar with telephone and phonograph operation. Due to its relative simplicity and lack of high precision parts it may be easily and cheaply manufactured, while the lack of any inductive, magnetic, electrical or acoustic detector, together with the automatic release latch mechanism. preclude the possibility of any accidental disturbance of the normal telephone circuits.

While the invention has been described in preferred form it is not hunted to the exact structures illustrated, as various modincations may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the character described, in combination, means for translating an incoming telephone signal including a relay, a motor circuit controlled by said relay, a motor in said circuit, switch mechanism operated by said mtor, a record, a phonograph reproducer cyclically controlled by said motor whereby said reproducer is placed upon and removed from said record, a speaker for audibly reproducing the sounds recorded on said record connected to said reproducer, means driven by said motor for moving said record, recording means cyclically controlled by said switch mechanism whereby said recording means when moved over a second record will record thereon, a second record,and a second lmotor for moving said second record and record- `tor for causing said reproducer to engage and disengage said record, an ampliiler. means including a circuit and a source of energy for energizing said amplifier controlled by said relay, recording means, and means actuated by said motor for alternately placing said reproducer and said recording means in circuit with said amplier.

3. In a device of the character described, a starting circuit including a relay, a motor circuit controlled by said relay, a motor in said last circuit, a switch cyclically operated by said motor, a record, a reproducer cyclically controlled by said motor whereby said reproducer is placed upon and removed from said record, means driven by said motor for moving said record, recording means controlled by said switch, a second record, means controlled by said switch for relatively moving said second record and recording means, a 'speaker controlled by said switch and cyclically connected to said reproducer,. a cabinet in and upon which all of the foregoing parts are mounted in cooperative relationship to form a unit device, said cabinet having means therein to position the transmitter of a telephone instrument adjacent said speaker, whereby the telephone transmitter and said speaker are acoustically coupled.

4. In a device of the character described, a starting circuit including a relay, a motor circuit controlled by said relay, a motor in said last circuit, switching means cyclically operated by said motor, a record, a reproducer, means cyclically operated by said motor and connected to said reproducer to cause same to engage and disengage said record, means driven by said motor for moving said record, a speaker controlled by said switching mechanism and selectively connected to said reproducer, recording means controlled by said switching means, a record blank, means controlled by said switch for relatively moving said blank and said recording means to record on said blank, a microphone controlled by said switching mechanism and selectively connected to said recording means, and a cabinet in and upon which all of the foregoing instrumentalities are mounted in cooperative relationship to form a unit device, said cabinet having means therein to acoustically couple the transmitter and receiver of a telephone instrument respectively to said speaker and microphone.

5. In a device of the character described, a starting circuit including a relay, a motor circuit controlled by said relay, a motor in said last circuit, switching means cyclically operated by said motor, a record, a reproducer, means cyclically operated by said motor and connected to said reproducer to cause same to engage and disengage said record, means driven by said motor for moving said record, a speaker controlled by said switching mechanism and selectively connected to said reproducer, recording means controlled by said switching means, a record blank, means controlled by said switch for relatively moving said blank and said recording means to record on said blank, a microphone controlled by said switching mechanism and' selectively connected to said recording means, a second reproducer adapted to engage said record blank, manual switching means 'to connect said second reproducer to said speaker and for controlling the movement of said record blank, and a cabinet in and upon which all of the foregoing instrumentalities are mounted in cooperative relationship to form a unit device, said cabinet having means therein to acoustically couple the transmitter and receiver of a telephone instrument respectively to said speaker and microphone.

6. In a device of the character described. a starting circuit including a relay, a motor circuit controlled by said relay, a motor in said last circuit, switching means cyclically operated by said motor, a record, a reproducer, means cyclically operated by said motor and connected to said reproducer to cause same to engage and disengage said record, means driven by said motor for moving said record. a speaker controlled by said switching mechanism and selectively connected to said reproducer, recording means controlled by said switching means, a record blank, means controlled by said switch for relatively moving said blank and said recording means to record on said blank, a microphone controlled by said switching mechanism and selectively connected to said recording means, manual switching means for connecting said recording means to said microphone and for controlling the movement of said record blank, and a cabinet in and upon which all of the foregoing instrumentalities are mounted in cooperative relationship to form a unit device, saidl cabinet having means therein to acoustically couple the transmitter and receiver of a telephone instrument respectively to said speaker and microphone.

7. In a device of the character described, a starting circuit including a relay, a motor circuit controlled by said relay, a motor in said last circuit, switching means cyclically operated by said motor, a record, a reproducer. means cyclically operated by said motor and connected to said reproducer to cause same to engage and disengage said record, means driven by said motor for moving said record, a speaker controlled by said switching mechanism and selectively connected to said reproducer, recording means, a record blank, means controlled by said switch for relatively moving said blank and said recording means to record on said blank, a microphone controlled by said switching mechanism and selectively connected to said recording means, a second reproducer adapted to engage said record blank, manual switching means having a position in which it connects said second reproducer to said speaker and for controlling the movement of said record blankl and another position in which it connects said recording means to said microphone and for controlling the movement of said record blank, and a cabinet in and upon which all of the foregoing instrumentalities are mounted in cooperative relationship to form a unit device, said cabinet having means therein to acoustically couple the transmitter and receiver of a telephone instrument respectively to said speaker and microphone.

8. In a device of the character described, a starting circuit including a source of current and instrumentalities for controlling a motor, a motor circuit including a motor controlled by said iirst circuit, a reproducing phonograph including a movable sound record, a recording phonograph including a movable sound' record blank, a speaker, a microphone, and switching means operated by said motor for cyclically connecting said reproducing phonograph to said speaker, disconnecting the same and connecting said recording phonograph to said microphone, disconnecting the same and disconnecting said motor from its` circuit at a predetermined point in the cycle.

9. In a device of the character described, a starting circuit including a source of current and instrumentalities for controlling a motor, a motor circuit including a motor controlled by said rst circuit, a reproducing phonograph including a ,movable sound record, a recording phonograph including a movable sound record blank, a speaker, a microphone, switching means operable by said motor to cyclically connect said speaker and microphone respectively to said reproducing and recording phonographs, and second switching means cyclically operated by said motor whereby upon the initial movement of same a running circuit is established independently ot said starting circuit to maintain the motor ln continuous operation throughout said cycle, said second switching means further acting to disconnect said motor from its circuit at a predetermined point in the cycle.

10. In a device of the character described, a starting circuit including a source of current and lnstrumentalities for controlling a motor, a motor circuit including a motor controlled by said iirst circuit, a reproducing phonograph including a movable sound record, a recording phonograph including a movable sound record blank, a speaker, a microphone, an ampliiler, and switching means operated by said motor for cyclically connecting said reproducing phonograph to said amplifier and the latter to said speaker, disconnecting the same, connecting said recording phonograph to said amplifier and the latter to said microphone, disconnecting the same, and nnally disconnecting said motor from its circuit at a predetermined point in the cycle;

11. In a device of the class described, a member for actuating the switching mechanism of a telephone instrument, said member in its` normal positiontending to hold said switching mechanism in open circuit position, said member when actuated being adapted to permit said switching mechanism to move to closed circuit position, actuating means operable by electric current for moving said member to permit said switching mechanism to move to closed circuit position, and means operable upon the failure of said current to release said member from said actuating means to permit said member to return to normal and thereby restore said switching mechanism to open circuit position.

12. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the actuating means for moving said member includes a motor driven cam.

13. In a device of the character described, a member for actuating the switching mechanism of a telephone instrument, said member in its normal position tending to hold said switching mechanism in open circuit position by gravity, said member when actuated against gravity being adapted to permit said switching mechanism to move to closed circuit position, actuating means operable by electric current for moving said member to permit said switching mechanism to move to closed circuit position, and means operable upon the failure oi.' said current to release said member from said actuating means to permit said member to return to normal by the force of gravity and thereby restore sind switching mechanism to open circuit posi- 14. In a device oi the character described, a member for actuating the switching mechanism of a telephone instrument, said member in its normal position tending to hold said switching mechanism in open circuit position, said member when actuated being adapted to permit said switching mechanism to move to closed circuit position, actuating means operab'le by electric current for moving said member to permit said switching mechanism to move to closed circuit position, and means including a magnetic release mechanism operable upon failure of said electric current to release said member from said actuating means.

15. In a device of the class described, means for1 therefrom, a weighted member on said arm.

adapted to engage the switch member of a telephone, a lever pivoted in said casing and operatively engaging said arm, a latch frame on said lever, a detent movably attached to said frame, a movable finger in said casing adapted to engage said detent, an electro-magnet on said frame and adapted to hold said detent in engaged position, electrically operable means for moving said iinger and engaged detent whereby said lever may raise said arm and weighted member, and a common source of current connected to said moving means and said electromagnet.

17. The combination claimed in claim 16 wherein said electrically operable means includes a motor-driven cam adapted to advance said nger to a forward position and retain the same in said position throughout a predetermined time cycle.

18. The combination claimed in claim 16 including a pair of cups mounted in said casing and adapted to receive the transmitter and receiver of said telephone, and wherein said arm is adapted to be manually swung to an upper position away from said switch member, said weighted member partly overlying said cups when in said upper position.

19. In a device of the character described, a cabinet forming a support, a speaker and a microphone carried on said support, means overlying said speaker and microphone and adapted to respectively acoustically couple a telephone transmitter and receiver thereto, said means including positioning members adapted to loosely receive at least a portion of said telephone transmitter and receiver so as to support same in operative relationship to said speaker and microphone, means within said cabinet for operating said speaker and microphone including an electric motor` and an operating circuit therefor, means for controlling the operation of said motor including circuit controlling means spaced apart from said cabinet and connected to the motor operating circuit therein, and means operatively connected to said motor and extending from said cabinet and adapted to actuate the switching mechanism of a telephone instrument including an arm pivoted to swing to non-operating position to overlie said positioning members to prevent placing a telephone transmitter and receiver therein when said arm is in said non-operating position.

20. In a device of the character described, mechanism for actuating the switching mechanism of a telephone instrument including a pivoted arm, means operable by a telephone signal to move saldi arm to actuate the telephone switching mechanism, said arm being manually adjustable about its pivot -to another position wherein it is disassociated from said means.

2l. In a device of the character described, sound recording and reproducing mechanism including a speaker and microphone, a cabinet enclosing the same, said cabinet having apertures in a wall thereof, said speaker and microphone being respectively located below said apertures and within said' cabinet, said apertures being Yspaced to receive at least a portion of the transmitter and receiver of `a telephone instrument while leaving clearances through said apertures vand means for supporting said telephone transmitter and receiver on said cabinet in acoustically coupled relationship to said speaker and microphone.

22. In a device of the character described, sound recording and reproducing mechanism including a speaker and microphone, a cabinet having apertures therein, members forming separate chambers within said cabinet in open communication with said apertures, said speaker and microphone being positioned in said separate chambers, said apertures being adapted -to receive at least a portion of the receiver and transmitter of a telephone instrument to acoustically couple said transmitter and receiver to said speaker and microphone respectively, while providing clearance through said apertures, each of said members having side walls forming acoustic insulation laterally between said chambers.

23. In a device of the character described, a support having apertures therein, members forming chambers about said apertures, a speaker in one of said chambers, a microphone in another of said chambers, a telephone hand set having a transmitter and receiver located respectively in said apertures whereby said transmitter and receiver are respectively acoustically coupled to said speaker and microphone while said. hand set is positioned on said support, said apertures being substantially greater than the diameters of said transmitter and receiver, and recording and reproducing means connected to said speaker and microphone.

24. In a device of the class described, a hollow body having a transmitter opening and a receiver opening spaced apart by a distance equal to the spacing between the transmitter and receiver of a telephone instrument, said openings leading from acoustic chambers within said body, rings around said chambers substantially larger than the diameter of the transmitter and receiver bodies of a telephone instrument and adapted to loosely receive the transmitter and receiver, respectively, of a telephone instrument, means located between said rings to support a telephone instrument in fixed relation to said rings, and a speaker and a microphone positioned within said body in communication with -the said acoustic chambers leading to the transmitter and receiver respectively.

25. In a device of the character described, a support having apertures therein, members forming chambers behind said apertures, a speaker in one chamber, a microphone in another cham.- ber, a telephone transmitter positioned by said support and projecting into the aperture therein communicating with the chamber in which said speaker is located, a telephone receiver therein connecting with the chamber in which said microphone is located, said telephone transmitter and receiver being parts of a. subscriber's telephone instrument having switching mechanism for connecting same to a telephone line, means comprising a movable arm projecting from said support and adapted to actuate said telephone switching mechanism, and means for operating said arm, speaker and microphone.

26. The combination with a telephone instrument comprising an audible signalling device, a transmitter, a receiver and switching mecha.- nism, of a recording device including a signal detector adapted to be actuated by vibrations of said audible signal device, a circuit includingy said detector and a source of current and a control relay, means controlled by said relay for operating the switching mechanism of the telephone instrument, a sound recorder and reproducer, an amplifier, a microphone adjacent the telephone receiver and adapted to pick up sounds emanating therefrom, a speaker adjacent the telephone transmitter and adapted to deliver sound vibrations thereto, a motor, means controlled by said relay for completing a circuit from said source of current through said motor including switch mechanism and circuits therefor to sequentially connect first, said reproducer to the input circuit of said amplifier and said speaker to the output circuit thereof whereby a recorded message may be transmitted over the telephone, secondly, to disconnect said reproducer and speaker and connect said microphone to the input circuit of said amplifier and said recorder to the output circuit thereof, whereby an incoming message over said telephone may be recorded.

27. In a device of the character described, a cabinet having a base, top and side walls, phonograph mechanism mounted on said base within said cabinet and adjacent the front wall thereof, said cabinet having a door to permit access to said phonograph mechanism to permit records to be placed thereon and removed therefrom, telephone switch operating mechanism extending outwardly from a wall of the cabinet, apertures in said wall of the cabinet adapted to receive a telephone transmitter and receiver, a speaker adjacent one of said apertures, a microphone adjacent the other of said apertures, a second phonograph mechanism mounted on said top of said cabinet including a record table overlying said top, a cover for the top of said cabinet enclosing said record table, and means within said cabinet for operating said phonograph mechanisms, switch operating mechanism, speaker and microphone,

28. In a device of the character described, a phonograph including a turntable and a swinging arm adapted to overlie the same, translating means carried by said arm, means for raising and lowering said arm to cause said translating means to engage and disengage a record carried on said turntable, a second phonograph including a turntable and two swinging arms adapted to overlie the same, translating means carried by said arms, means for causing one of said arms to traverse a record as it is revolved by said last turntable, said arm being manually disconnectable from said means whereby it may be moved outside the periphery of its associated record, the other of said two arms adapted t be manually positioned to engage said record and traverse the same, means for rotating said turntables, means controlled by the operation of one of said phonographs for starting and stopping the other phonograph, a speaker and microphone selectively connectable to said translating means, and means to momentarily connect said speaker and microphone at the same time to said translating means.

29. In a device of the character described, a phonograph including a reproducer and a record support having a recorded record thereon, a second phonograph including a record support having a record blank thereon, recording means adapted to record on said blank and movable to a non-operative position relative thereto, a reproducer adapted to engage said record blank and reproduce any recording thereon and movable to a non-operative position relative thereto, a speaker, a microphone, an amplifier, switch means for selectively connecting either of said reproducers to said speaker via said amplifier, switch means for connecting said recording means to said microphone via said amplifier, means for relatively moving said records, recording means and reproducer, a source of current for operating said driving means and said amplifier, and means connected to and operable with either of said switch means to connect said driving means and said amplifier to said source of current.

30. In a device of the character described, a phonograph including a reproducer and a record support having a recorded record thereon, a second phonograph including a record support having a record blank thereon, recording means adapted to record on said blank and movable to a non-operative position relative thereto, a reproducer adapted to engage said record blank and reproduce any recording thereon and movable to a non-operative position relative thereto, a speaker, a microphone, an amplifier, switch means for selectively connecting either of said reproducers via said amplifier to said speaker, switch means for connecting said recording means via said amplifier to said microphone, means for relatively moving said records, recording means and reproducer, a source of current for operating said driving means and amplifier, and starting means including a circuit having a control relay therein operated by said source of current and controlling the application thereof to said amplifier and driving means.

31. The combination as claimed inA claim 30 wherein the starting means includes a time delay device operable to delay actuation of said control relay.

32. The combination as claimed in claim 30 wherein the starting means includes a thermal time delay device operable to delay actuation of said control relay, said relay having a normally closed contact in circuit with said thermal device whereby actuation of said relay disables said thermal device.

33. The combination as claimed in claim 30 wherein the starting means includes a detector, an impulse relay controllable by said detector to transmit pulses of current via a time delay device to said control relay, a locking contact on said control relay to close a holdingA circuit therethrough to lock the same in closed contact position, and a cyclically operated switch adapted to open the holding circuit through said relay after a pre-determined period.

34. The combination as claimed in claim 30 wherein the starting means includes a manually operable switch adapted to complete a holding circuit through said control relay to cause same to lock in closed contact position, and a cyclically operated switch adapted to open the holding circuit through said relay after a predetermined period. i

35. In a device of the character described, a member adapted to be connected to the switching mechanism of a telephone instrument, electrically operated means for actuating said member to open and close the switch contacts of said mechanism, and a no-current release device for releasing said member from said electrically operated means to permit said member to restore the telephone switching mechanism to open circuit position in the event of failure of the current supply to said means.

36. In a device of the character described, operating means for actuating the switching mechanism of a telephone instrument, a phonograph mechanism including a record blank supported thereon, a recorder movable over said blank, a microphone, switch mechanism adapted to connect and disconnect said recorder to and from said microphone, means for driving said phonograph mechanism, a circuit including a source of current for operating said operating means, recorder, microphone and driving means, and a limit switch actuated by the movement of said recorder when the recording on said record has reached a pre-determined point to open the circuit to said source of current, thereby stopping the operation of all said devices.

37. The combination as claimed in claim 36 wherein a manually controlled master switch is serially included in circuit with said limit switch, and including a tell-tale light controlled by the operation of said switches.

38. The combination with a subscribers telephone set having a telephone ringer, oi means to cause a recorded message to be reproduced and delivered to the calling subscriber and an incoming message from said calling subscriber to be recorded, said means including separate record members, means for moving said records, electrical means including a vibratory detector actuated by the mechanical vibrations of the telephone set independently of the sound produced by the telephone ringer to automatically control the operation of said record moving means, and manually operable means operable independently of said detector to control the operation of said record moving means.

39. In an apparatus of the class described adapted to be associated with a subscribers telephone set and having means for recording an incoming message on a record and reproducing an outgoing message from another record, movable records, record moving means, controlling means operated by a source of current separate from that in said-subscribers telephone to govern the actuation of said record moving means, said controlling means including a member movable to a lower and an upper position to mechanically cause the switch of said telephone to occupy upper and lower positions corresponding to the u pper and lower positions of said member thereby controlling the circuits of said telephone set.

40. In an apparatus for use with telephones, the combination of a phonograph, electromechanical means for starting the operation of said phonograph, mechanical means including a switch for continuing the operation of said phonograph over a predetermined period, and means for eiecting the release of said electro-mechanical means to stop the operation of said phonograph at the end of said period.

4l. In a device as claimed in claim 40, a time delay device adapted to control the starting operation of said electro-mechanical means.

42. In a device adapted to be used with a subscribers telephone set having a switch, means for recording an incoming message and reproducing an outgoing message, a movable record, means to move said record, controlling means, means actuated by an incoming signal to said telephone set to actuate said controlling means, an arm member between the switch of the telephone set and said controlling means and movable by said controlling means to mechanically permit said switch to operate to close a'circuit through said telephone set by the release of said arm therefrom, said arm being adjustable to permit the use of diierent telephone sets therewith.

43. In an apparatus of the character described, a record blank, means traversing said blank for recording a message thereon, a motor for moving said means, a device responsive to mechanical vibrations for closing a circuit through said motor to start the recording, and stop means including a switch operable by said traversing means for opening said circuit through said motor.

44. In a device cooperative with a telephone, in combination, a phonograph adapted to reproduce a previously recorded answering speech, means to direct said speech into the transmitter of said telephone, a recording phonograph adapted to record a message, means to transmit messages incoming from the receiver of said telephone to said recording phonograph, means to release the circuit switch of said telephone, electrically operable means to control the operation of said release-means and said phonographs in a pre-determined cycle, a source of current for said control means, a relay adapted upon energization to connect said control means to said source and thereby start said cycle, means to energize said relay including a normally open thermostatic switch, said switch being adapted to close upon accumulation of a pre-determined amount of heat therein, an electric heating coil in heat-exchange relationship with said switch, said telephone having vibratory signalling means, and means including a detector responsive to direct mechanical vibrations of said signalling means to direct successive increments of current through said heater coil to incrementally accumulate said pre-determined heat quantity in said thermostatic switch.

45. In a device of the character described, in combination,- a casing, a recording phonograph in said casing having a recording stylus and adapted to carry a record blank, means to actuate said recording phonograph, manual means to guide said stylus into engagement with said record at the entering limit of a predetermined zone thereon whereby said phonograph may record sound eiects within said zone, a reproducing phonograph in said casing adapted to receive said blank and having a pickup needle, means to drive said reproducing phonograph, timing means operable by said driving means, a cam on said timing means adapted to guide said pickup needle into engagement with the entering limit of said zone whereby said reproducing phonograph may reproduce said recording in said zone, means on said cam to disengage said needle from said record at the termination of said reproduction, second cam means on said timing means to start said actuating means whereby said recording phonograph may be actuated throughout a recording period in cyclic succession to said reproduction, a scale on said casing, an indicator cooperative with -sa/id scale, and means on said timing means to move said indicator throughout the length of said 

